is Love.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Laughing or Crying?
A few days before Jeff graduated from middle school, an assembly was held during the day to acknowledge the students’ accomplishments. Carianne and I attended. We sat on the bleachers in the gymnasium, a few rows up; with me in front of her. My camera was ready, and I was proud to share in Jeff's landmark day.
The band played festive music as each of the 8th grade classes orderly entered the hall, single file. Parents and fans cheered when they spotted their children. We sat on the edge of our seats, waiting for the first glimpse of Jeff. Before I clearly saw him, there was a distraction of wild and cheering uproar behind me. My heart sank when I realized the way over-done craziness was for him. I was so confused I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I did not know these war cry sounding people, and I knew they didn't know me.
My first thoughts were, “I wished I had volunteered more in middle school, so I could have prevented wild influences of people like this affecting his life!’ Now it was too late. Who had he been hanging with, that assumed it was OK to get his attention in such an obnoxious way? I built up courage and slowly turned around to face the group, fearful for what rowdies I might see. Looking over my shoulder, in their direction, I saw . . . no one. No group, not even a young high school student. Empty bleachers; except for a few grandparents and . . . Carianne.
When I turned to her, her demeanor was calm and relaxed. The sun was shining on her hair from the windows above and she seemed to be enjoying a carefree afternoon. When I looked at her eyes, they told me nothing except contentment. But I had to turn around a couple of times to study her in unbelief, before I put her name on the confusing clamor.
I smile about it now. It was a moment I'll never forget. As serene as she seems, I'm secretly glad she knows how and when to pull off a gut wrenching display. . . . like being a one man fan club for her brother on a special day. . . . or on a good roller coaster!
Happy Birthday, Carianne! You are a beautiful daughter and mother, with more faith and hope that cause those who love you to cheer wildly for all your dreams to come true!
I love you, dearly!
Mom
The band played festive music as each of the 8th grade classes orderly entered the hall, single file. Parents and fans cheered when they spotted their children. We sat on the edge of our seats, waiting for the first glimpse of Jeff. Before I clearly saw him, there was a distraction of wild and cheering uproar behind me. My heart sank when I realized the way over-done craziness was for him. I was so confused I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I did not know these war cry sounding people, and I knew they didn't know me.
My first thoughts were, “I wished I had volunteered more in middle school, so I could have prevented wild influences of people like this affecting his life!’ Now it was too late. Who had he been hanging with, that assumed it was OK to get his attention in such an obnoxious way? I built up courage and slowly turned around to face the group, fearful for what rowdies I might see. Looking over my shoulder, in their direction, I saw . . . no one. No group, not even a young high school student. Empty bleachers; except for a few grandparents and . . . Carianne.
When I turned to her, her demeanor was calm and relaxed. The sun was shining on her hair from the windows above and she seemed to be enjoying a carefree afternoon. When I looked at her eyes, they told me nothing except contentment. But I had to turn around a couple of times to study her in unbelief, before I put her name on the confusing clamor.
I smile about it now. It was a moment I'll never forget. As serene as she seems, I'm secretly glad she knows how and when to pull off a gut wrenching display. . . . like being a one man fan club for her brother on a special day. . . . or on a good roller coaster!
Happy Birthday, Carianne! You are a beautiful daughter and mother, with more faith and hope that cause those who love you to cheer wildly for all your dreams to come true!
I love you, dearly!
Mom
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
a quote
I love this:
"The
same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it
appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has
given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise
human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our
individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm
them as well."
Neal A. Maxwell, That my Family Should Partake, pg 86
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Happy Birthday, Jeff!
Family dinner time is and has always been a sweet time. When our kids were little until now, I have happy memories of feeling safe and blessed around the dinner table with the ones I love the most. I can recall Saturday mornings when we didn't begin the day without waffles. Or birthday cake and ice cream for breakfast ON each one's birthday morning. When they got into their teens, we didn't know when we'd all be gathered (for long), at the same time the rest of the day.
When the kids were little, it was easy to gather together often. Blessings on the food were always sweet because we were teaching and soaking in their trust in Heavenly Father. But I won't ever forget listening to Jeff's prayers when it was his turn. As we bowed our heads and closed our eyes, I can still hear his little 3 year old voice slowly speak, . . ."and bless t h a t, and t h a t, and t h a t . . ." If you peaked, you would see him pointing to each thing specifically, and it took a little longer because some things were farther away from him on the table. He wanted to make sure their was no confusion. . . Sweet innocence.
Happy Birthday, Jeff! So grateful for you and your goodness, integrity, and faith that have always shown through. And in these sweet days, your evident desire to be a good Dad!
You are a blessing!
.jpg)
I love you, dearly!
Mom
When the kids were little, it was easy to gather together often. Blessings on the food were always sweet because we were teaching and soaking in their trust in Heavenly Father. But I won't ever forget listening to Jeff's prayers when it was his turn. As we bowed our heads and closed our eyes, I can still hear his little 3 year old voice slowly speak, . . ."and bless t h a t, and t h a t, and t h a t . . ." If you peaked, you would see him pointing to each thing specifically, and it took a little longer because some things were farther away from him on the table. He wanted to make sure their was no confusion. . . Sweet innocence.
Happy Birthday, Jeff! So grateful for you and your goodness, integrity, and faith that have always shown through. And in these sweet days, your evident desire to be a good Dad!
You are a blessing!
.jpg)
Mom
Monday, March 4, 2013
shampoo
Someone in our writer's organization printed this.
WARNING TO US ALL!!! DON'T WASH YOUR HAIR IN THE SHOWER!
IT IS DANGEROUS WHEN THE SHAMPOO RUNS DOWN YOUR BODY
AS YOU RINSE YOUR HAIR OUT!
I don't know why I didn't figure this out sooner. I use shampoo in the shower. When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning, "FOR EXTRA BODY AND VOLUME."
No wonder I have been gaining weight! Well, I have now gotten rid of that shampoo and I'm going to start showering with Dawn dish soap instead. It's label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE."
Problem solved!
If I don't answer the phone, I'll be in the shower.
WARNING TO US ALL!!! DON'T WASH YOUR HAIR IN THE SHOWER!
IT IS DANGEROUS WHEN THE SHAMPOO RUNS DOWN YOUR BODY
AS YOU RINSE YOUR HAIR OUT!
I don't know why I didn't figure this out sooner. I use shampoo in the shower. When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning, "FOR EXTRA BODY AND VOLUME."
No wonder I have been gaining weight! Well, I have now gotten rid of that shampoo and I'm going to start showering with Dawn dish soap instead. It's label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE."
Problem solved!
If I don't answer the phone, I'll be in the shower.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
